Health Inspector Impostor Targeting Local Restaurants

Restaurants in the Antelope Valley and Glendale have become the target of a fake health inspector, reports KTLA, and police are warning restaurant employees to be mindful of the scam -- although they're not exactly sure how the scam works.

Authorities say the man appears at restaurants, claims to be a health inspector from either the California Department of Public Health or the Orange County Department of Public Health, and "asks restaurant owner to call a phone number and enter a numeric code, according to police. Investigators think he may be trying to obtain personal information from the restaurant owners," notes KTLA

At least four restaurants have been targeted so far, and despite not knowing the how the scam operates, police say what they man is doing is illegal and that impersonating a health inspector is a felony in L.A. County. Real deal health inspectors always carry county-issued photo ID, will never charge for letter grades and are not allowed to accept tips (including free food and drinks) during an inspection.